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2018 CONVENTION PROGRAM

PROGRAM

Session Highlights

TUESDAY SESSIONS

GET THE DIRT ON NEMATODES

Tuesday, February 6

8:00am-11:30pm

Arena Floor, Toyota Center

Sponsor:Wilbur Ellis

With the industry aging and vineyards undergoing replant, nematodes are of concern. This concern is exacerbated by the fact that the industry prefers own-rooted vines and the nematode species affecting Washington vineyards are different than those present in other major grape-growing regions. In this session, participants will explore the role that nematodes have on winegrape production; learn about the impact of management tactics including soil fumigation, rootstocks and vine selection, monitoring, and nematicides; observe nematodes and their interaction with a grape root system; and learn about appropriate sampling techniques.

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes on Winegrapes: A British Columbia Perspective

Tom Forge

Research Soil Ecologist

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Summerland, B.C. Canada

Nematode Management: A California Perspective

Andreas Westphal

Assistant CE Specialist/Assistant Nematologist

Department of Nematology, University of California Riverside | Parlier, CA

Updates on Grapevine Nematology Research in Washington

Katherine East

Graduate Research Assistant

Washington State University | Prosser, WA

How Soil Health Can Impact Vine Development and Nematode Feeding

Tom Forge

Current Status of Fumigants and Regulations in Washington

Tom Hoffmann

Area Manager - Columbia Basin

WSDA Pesticide Management Division | Moses Lake, WA

Education Stations

Michelle Moyer

Inga Zasada

RED WINEMAKING: WHAT’S NEW

Tuesday, February 6

8:00am-11:30am

Room C-D, Convention Center

There are as many ways to make red wine as there are winemakers; however, winemakers all face similar issues. This session discusses the old and the new; from extended maceration and oxygen management to old world ancient vessels and the many ways to use SO2. Discussions from both craft winemaking and production wineries alike.

This session aims to emphasize that the factors influencing wine start in the vineyard. Discussion will focus on how site selection, canopy management, and irrigation practices play an important role in the on the final product of our industry. Factors like supply chain and a satisfied labor force will be considered. The session will also dive into the topic of grafting.

This session will include a follow up from last year’s tasting fee structure discussion, with updates from people who changed their system; a presentation on building a successful wine club; and a presentation on the Wine Science Center, a local asset you need to know about.

Audience: Winery owners, tasting room managers and tasting room staff

Welcome and Introductions

Session Manager

April Reddout

Wine Program Director

Walter Clore Center | Prosser, WA

Direct to Consumer Insights

Videocast from Silicon Valley Bank

Take Aways and Washington Centric Discussion

Rob McMillan

EVP & Founder

Silicon Valley Bank | St. Helena, CA

Tips for a Successful Wine Club

Rachel Mercer

Consumer Support Director

Mercer Wine Estates | Prosser, WA

11:45am: Lunch on Trade Show Floor

12:20pm: World Class Research in Our Own Backyard: The Wine Science Center

Kaury Balcom

WSU V&E PR & Communications Coordinator

Washington State University | Richland, WA

Tasting Fee Structure—Continuing the Discussion

Moderator: Shae Frichette

Co-Owner/Business Manager

Frichette Winery| Benton City, WA

Stacie Hamilton

Owner

Hamilton Cellars | Benton City, WA

Kelly Hightower

Owner/Winemaker

Hightower Cellars | Benton City, WA

Mitzi Hadley

Tasting Room Lead

Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center | Prosser, WA

Affinity Bias

Marilyn Hawkins

Principal

Hawkins & Company PR | Walla Walla, WA

Lessons from a Global Perspective

Mike Veseth

Editor, The Wine Economist

The Wine Economist | Tacoma, WA

HONOR LUNCHEON

Tuesday, February 6

11:45am-1:15pm

Arena Floor, Toyota Center

Sponsor: Inland Desert Nursery

With the industry gathered, we’ll recognize and applaud those selected by members for Grower of the Year, Industry Service, Grand Vin, and Lifetime Achievement awards. Plus, we’ll congratulate those awarded a Walter J. Clore Scholarship; and the Auction of Washington Wines presents to WSU Wine Science Center. Join us for lunch, socializing, celebration, and outstanding Washington wine!

This luncheon is included with Tuesday-only and Full Convention registration, but luncheon-only tickets may be purchased separately.

TRADE SHOW LUNCH

Tuesday, February 6

11:45am-1:15pm

Trade Show Floor, Convention Center

Co-Sponsors:

Northwest Farm Credit Services

ATP Group

Premier Wine Cask, Inc.

A walking lunch is included with your paid admission to the Trade Show. Enjoy a stop at the food and wine stations on the Trade Show floor while networking with industry leaders and service and supply providers. All stations have the same food or wine selections.

HIGH-pH WINEMAKING AND ITS IMPACTS (with tasting)

Tuesday, February 6

1:30pm-3:30pm

Rooms C-D, Convention Center

High-pH winemaking has benefits but also comes with certain risks. How does high-pH wine impact sensory components and how do you adjust winemaking practices to make sure the wine is microbially sound? In this session we will discuss high-pH in winemaking based on vineyard practices, picking decisions, winemaking procedures, and lab analysis, as well as taste sensory changes in finished wines based on pH. Join us for a deep dive into high-pH winemaking and its impacts.

Another fantastic opportunity to network with service and supply providers while enjoying a glass of Washington wine! There is no cost to attend the reception; however, if you have not purchased a Convention registration, there will be a fee for wine.

WEDNESDAY SESSIONS

ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday, February 7

7:45am-8:30am

Arena Floor, Toyota Center

Members of the Washington Winegrowers Association are invited to a brief review of the 2017 year and the election of 2018 Board members.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Wednesday, February 7

8:30am-11:30am

Arena Floor, Toyota Center

Sponsor: Port of Kennewick

This session will address the overarching issues impacting our industry and your business, whether in the vineyard or the winery. Hear a wrap-up of this year’s vintage and learn about grape supply and demand on a global scale plus the curious trends that will impact your grapes and wine marketing. Learn about national efforts to access research funding and get an insider’s view of the politics that impact the grape and wine industry at the federal level. Plus, we’ll hear from WSU’s President, Kirk Schulz, on his expectations for the industry.

Audience: All industry members

Welcome and Introductions

Session Manager

Patrick Rawn

Chair | General Manager, Vineyard Operations

Washington Winegrowers | Two Mountain Winery | Zillah WA

The 2017 Vintage: Play by Play

Wade Wolfe

Owner

Thurston Wolfe | Prosser, WA

Smoke Taint

Tom Collins

Assistant Professor

Washington State University | Richland, WA

A Look at Global Supply & Demand

Glenn Proctor

Partner

Ciatti Company | San Rafael, CA

Policy, Politics & Wine at the Federal Level

John Aguirre

Executive Director

Winegrape Growers of America | Sacramento, CA

WSU and Washington Wine: A Partnership Designed to Thrive

Kirk Schulz

President

Washington State University | Pullman, WA

Premiumization and the Battle of Land versus Brand

Mike Veseth

Editor, The Wine Economist

The Wine Economist | Tacoma, WA

POSTER VIEWING & ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Wednesday, February 7

12:00pm-4pm

Room C-D, Convention Center

Session Manager:

Matt Halldorson

ViticulturistSte. Michelle Wine Estates | Prosser, WA

Sponsor: Washington State Wine Commission

A unique opportunity for networking and exchanging of ideas: Students and researchers present cutting-edge information that can improve and enhance your day-to-day work.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Poster Viewing

1:15pm: Refereed Poster Winners Announced

2:00pm: Graduate Oral Presentations (15 min/each)

MECHANIZATION – HOW TO

Wednesday, February 7

1:30pm-3:00pm

Room G-H, Convention Center

Sponsor: Davis

A deep-dive into mechanization: Tools for pruning, leafing, harvesting, and suckering. There will be a panel discussion on canopy and crop load management. Additionally, another panel will cover skilled labor: challenges with skilled labor/how to manage; how to train existing labor; shortages/formal training opportunities; and trainings provided through manufacturers.

What should students expect when job hunting and starting in an entry level position? What should employers expect and communicate when recruiting? How can you improve your approach to the process of hiring and being hired? Plus, spend some time at this session networking with prospective employers/employees.

This session is free to attend. It does not require Convention registration.

Join over 350 Washington wine industry movers and shakers to raise a glass (and some money!) for the future of Washington wine at the Washington Wine Industry Foundation’s annual Party + Auction! Attendees will enjoy dinner, hosted wine from some of Washington’s premier wineries, fantastic live and silent auctions, great entertainment, and rubbing shoulders with the industry’s finest—all while supporting the foundation’s work crafting sustainable solutions to meet our industry’s greatest needs.

THURSDAY SESSIONS

REGULATIONS – FROM TTB TO FDA

Thursday, February 8

9:00am-11:45am

Rooms C-D, Convention Center

Sponsor: CliftonLarsonAllen

Why has FDA all of a sudden shown up at wineries? What do you need to know if you’re inspected and what are the impacts of changing regulations from federal regulators? What records are required? TTB is both a help and hindrance but how can you prevent a slowdown and what do wineries need to be wary of as they plan for 2018.

How to manage grafted vines – from planting to field grafts. Join us to learn key strategies and pitfalls related to all forms of grafted vines including: plant sources, winter damage, costs and various trials.

Audience: Growers and winery representatives looking to understand the grafting process; growers who are ready to change their current vineyard’s cultivar or clone via field grafting

Welcome and Introductions

Session Manager

Geoffrey Hall

Viticulturist

Argyle Winery | Dundee, OR

Plant Source (original and grafted) & Quality

Scott Harper

Director, Clean Plant Center Northwest

Washington State University | Prosser, WA

Grafting Case Studies

Naidu Rayapati

Associate Professor (Virology)

Washington State University | Prosser, WA

Field Grafting: The Economics

Trent Ball

Vineyard & Winery Technology Program, Chair

Yakima Valley Community College | Grandview, WA

Planting Primer and Grafting Options

Larry Bettiga

Viticulture Farm Advisor

University of California Cooperative Extension | Salinas, CA

First Year Management of Field Grafted Vines
Speaker TBA

Conclusion and Q&A

VINEYARD BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS – MANAGING TIME TO SAVE MONEY

Thursday, February 8

9am-11:45am

Great Hall B, Convention Center

Sponsor: Netafim

The cost of labor has increased significantly while skilled crew workers are getting harder and harder to find. In light of rising costs, what can you do? What is the future of vineyard workers and when does a vineyard decide to move to partial or full mechanization? Plus, what do you need to do to comply with changing labor laws?

Labor vs. Mechanization and Mechanization – How to Make the Decision Appropriate to Size
Speaker TBA

WINE MARKETING: DIRECT TO CONSUMER (DtC)

Thursday, February 8

9:30am-11:45am

Great Hall D, Convention Center

Sponsor: UPS

DtC is profitable, but what about staffing, time, materials, licensing, discounts, software, interstate shipping? This session will assess the three pillars of DtC marketing: tasting rooms, shopping carts, and wine clubs and explore whether they contribute to brand development and financial success.

Audience: Owners of very small to intermediate sized wineries with active DtC programs

Welcome and Introductions

Session Manager

Heather Unwin

Consultant

Heather Unwin | Richland, WA

Technology — Moving Beyond a Square Account

Liz Moss

Tasting Room and Wine Club Manager

Barnard Griffin Winery | Richland, WA

How Many Tasting Rooms Should I Have?

Kristine Bono

DTC & General Manager

Tertulia Cellars| Walla Walla, WA

Using Technology to Launch a DtC Website

Kent Waliser

Director of Vineyard Operations

Sagemoor Vineyards | Pasco, WA

Rebranding for New Consumers & New Winemakers

Sabrina Lueck

Instructor of Enology

Walla Walla Community College | Walla Walla, WA

LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

Thursday, February 8

11:45am-1:15pm

Great Hall A-C, Convention Center

Sponsor: Country Financial

Welcome and Introductions

Session Manager

Vicky Scharlau

Executive Director

Washington Winegrowers | Cashmere, WA

Keynote Speaker

Pablos Holman—futurist, inventor, innovator, and one of the most renowned hackers in the world—shares his perspectives on problem solving and breaking and building new technologies, to inspire innovation in the vineyard or the winery.

What does the process of creating solutions look like? How does innovation happen, how long does it take, and what happens if you don’t innovate? Pablos draws from his own experiences and observations to discuss how technology can be successfully embraced and implemented. Bring your questions and enthusiasm for the potential of the future.

WHITE WINE STYLE BY DESIGN: FROM GRAPES TO GLASS (with tasting)

Thursday, February 8

1:30pm-3:45pm

Great Hall D, Convention Center

Sponsor: Central Industrial Sales Inc.

Explore white grape farming and enology to match deliberate wine styles. This session will include a review of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc from vine to wine. Learn fundamental differences between growing grapes for white wine production, and how vineyard activities can influence key characteristics in white wine. Consider the fundamental differences between the processes of white and red wine making, and why those differences are necessary.

Audience: Growers and winemakers interested in white grape and wine production practices

Growing Grapes for White Wine Production: Do’s and Don’ts in the Vineyard

Markus Keller

Professor of Viticulture

Washington State University | Prosser, WA

Practical Aspects of White Grape Growing, Accommodating for Style

Andrew Schultz

Owner

Brothers in Farms | Sunnyside, WA

LABORATORY DESIGN FOR SMALL WINERIES

Thursday, February 8

1:30pm-3:45pm

Room C-D, Convention Center

Sponsor: Santa Rosa Stainless Steel

Learn design elements of a basic lab, tests you should be running, and why. Delve into needed equipment, space requirements, basic lab analysis, when to outsource, and lab protocols with the most important control points requiring measurements.

Audience: Lab managers and those responsible for analysis; small owners; general managers

Welcome and Introductions

Session Manager

Tom Collins

Assistant Professor

Washington State University | Richland, WA

Basic Equipment, Space Requirements, & Basic Lab Analysis

Dennis Burnett

Laboratory Technical Specialist

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates| Paterson, WA

Balance Between Use of External Labs and Internal Labs

Jasha Karasek

Winemaking SpecialistEnartis | Windsor, CA

WINERY BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS – MAKING MONEY WITH A WINERY

Thursday, February 8

1:30pm-3:45pm

Great Hall B, Convention Center

Sponsor: Davis Wright Tremaine

Increase your understanding and awareness of the challenges of owning and operating a winery with a look at how to gauge where your costs are and how to improve efficiencies from mechanization to outsourcing.

What’s the best way to brand your vineyard, and how do you know it matters? Does branding impact how or where you promote or advertise grapes, help find reliable customers that pay? This session will be a panel discussion addressing the following topics: